Closeable self-venting spout

ABSTRACT

A non-spilling detachable pouring spout configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. This spout having a spout body defining an open passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end this open passageway having a generally tubular shaped hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway, and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is configured for attachment to the device and is further configured to seal against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body. The movement of said sleeve is controlled by movement of a child resistant sheath.

DESCRIPTION

This is a continuation of, and claims priority from, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/693,211, filed Oct. 23, 2003, entitled CloseableSelf-Venting Spout, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,875 on Nov. 29, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to detachable pouring spoutsthat are configured to transfer the contents of a filling container to areceiving container. More particularly, the present invention relates toa detachable self-venting, non-spilling pouring spout, which can beselectively opened and closed when attached to a filling container. Inthe preferred embodiment, the present invention is a selectivelyopenable self-venting child-resistant spout that allows for smoothtransfer of liquid materials from a non-vented holding container to areceiving container.

2. Background Information

Many products are stored in one container, but must be transferred toanother container for use. An example of such a product is gasoline,which may be stored in a variety of differently configured containers,but which in order to be used must be transferred to a refillableholding tank that is connected to an internal combustion engine. Forinstance, a typical homeowner who owns a lawnmower, snow blower, orother such device that is powered by a small gasoline engine wouldtypically have a storage container filled with gasoline. In order to useany of these gasoline powered devices, gasoline must be transferred fromthe storage container into the holding tank of the engine. In order toperform this task, the gasoline would have to be transferred from thestorage container to the gas holding tank, which is located upon thedevice.

One way that this is accomplished is by pouring the gasoline or othermaterial from the storage container into another container. In theprocess of pouring this material from one container into another, avariety of problems arise. One problem is that the size of the openingin the filling container may not be compatible with the size of theopening on the receiving container. As a result, the material beingtransferred may splash or flow over the outer portions of the containerbeing filled. When this occurs, the spilled material is not only wastedbut a variety of damaging effects to persons and things in thesurrounding area can also occur. For example, spilled gasoline raises avariety of concerns of safety to both the environment and theindividual. Spilled gasoline emits fumes, which can be hazardous bothfrom their inhalation as well as for the increased risk of flammability.Furthermore, the substances themselves may have a variety of damagingeffects upon the surrounding environment.

In order to limit these effects, a variety of spouts and nozzles havebeen developed. However, these nozzles and spouts bring with them avariety of problems as well. One of the problems with many of thesetypes of nozzles is their inability to allow for a smooth transfer ofair into the container to replace the liquid that is leaving thecontainer. As a result, a vacuum is formed within the filling container.This vacuum restrains the liquid from exiting the filling container.When sufficient pressure is built up, the vacuum is broken and liquidwill surge forward out of the device. These surges can result in spillsand overflow of material out of the device. The repetitive surging ofair into the device and the surging exit of liquid out of the device canalso cause a chugging or gurgling sound to occur. This chugging orgurgling makes filling a container to a desired level without spillingdifficult because the quantity of material that will surge forward isunpredictable. This uneven flow can further contribute to spillageand/or over filling of the container.

Another problem with the prior art nozzles is that when utilizing such anozzle, it is difficult to determine when the receiving container isfull. As a result, an individual may continue to pour liquid into thiscontainer and cause the contents to overflow. Another problem thatexists in the prior art is that access to these containers may beobtained by individuals such as small children, who may inhale the fumesor ingest the gasoline and suffer significant damaging effects.

Another problem that exists in the prior art is the necessity of O-ringsas sealing devices. O-rings seal by simply overpowering the materialthat they are sealing against. As a result, O-rings place substantialstatic pressures upon the materials that make up the various spoutpieces and can result in failure of the materials from which the spoutis made. Additionally, over time the O-rings themselves may also wearout and be degraded by the chemicals that they are trying to seal. As aresult, replacements are needed in order to provide the proper andadequate sealing properties. Another problem with such devices is thatthey can be prohibitively expensive to manufacture and produce.

Therefore, what is needed is a detachable pouring spout that can beselectively opened and closed to allow the free, smooth flow of liquidfrom a filling container into a receiving container. What is also neededis a device that can be solidly constructed to allow the transfer ofliquid from one container to another without the use of O-rings as apart of the sealing device. What is also needed is a spout that providesthe aforementioned features that also provides a child resistant lockingdevice to prevent unwanted access to the container by children, whileremaining consumer friendly and usable by persons of varied physicalcapabilities and ages.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a spout thatallows for regular flow of material through a selectively openable valvesystem that is formed within a portion of the spout. Another object ofthe invention is to provide a spout that provides for increased safetyin the use of a self-venting pouring spout. Another object of theinvention is to provide a closable spout of sufficient length and shapeto give free access between the opening in the receiving tank and thefilling tank. Another desired feature is to provide a spout that canconnect with a filling container that has a sealing portion as anintegral portion of the spout and that does not utilize an O-ring seal.Another object of the invention is to provide a valved self-ventingspout that provides a suitable configuration for shipping, including adevice that could be configured to be inserted in an inverted directionwithin a typical gas can type storage container. A further object of theinvention is to provide a spout having the ability to easily releaseexcessive container pressure prior to use. Accordingly, it is an objectof the invention to provide all of the features listed above.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention willbe set forth in part in the description which follows and in part willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a detachable self-venting pouring spout that isconfigured for connection with a non-vented filling container. The spouthas a single one-piece tube that is configured to form a spout body. Thespout body extends from an open spout first end to an open spout secondend. The spout body second end is configured to connect with a nozzleend connection. The spout body further defines a first hollow passagewaythat extends from the spout body first end to the spout body second end.

A generally hollow tubular shaped inner conduit is configured to bepositioned within the first hollow passageway. The inner conduit extendsfrom an open conduit first end positioned near the spout body first endto an open conduit second end that is positioned near the spout bodysecond end. The inner conduit defines a second hollow passagewaytherein. The inner conduit second end is further configured to receive abiasing spring and a portion of an intermediate sleeve therein. Theintermediate sleeve is configured to extend from an open intermediatesleeve first end to an open intermediate sleeve second end. Theintermediate sleeve defining a third hollow passageway between the openintermediate sleeve first end and the open intermediate sleeve secondend.

The second end of the intermediate sleeve further comprises a generallycircular shaped flare that is configured to form a sealing connectionwith a compatibly configured portion of the nozzle end. The intermediatesleeve first end is configured to be slide ably inserted within theinner conduit second end. The slideable sleeve second end configured tobe slideably positioned within a portion of the nozzle end portion.

The nozzle end portion has a nozzle end body, an open nozzle first endconfigured to connect with the spout body second end, and an open nozzlesecond end configured for placement within a receiving container. Theopen nozzle second end further comprises a generally crescent shapedpartition. The generally crescent shaped partition runs along the lengthof the nozzle end portion and is configured to define an airflow chamberand a liquid flow chamber within the nozzle end. The partition furthercomprises a stopper configured to interact with a portion of thecampanulate shaped portion of the inner sleeve so as to prevent thepassage of air through the nozzle, when the stopper is positionedagainst an inner portion of the intermediate sleeve.

The intermediate sleeve is configured to slide within the spout body andthe nozzle end. Depending upon the position of the sleeve, the flow ofmaterial out of the device may be controlled between a fully closedposition wherein no fluid may pass out of the nozzle and a fully openedposition wherein the flow of fluid out of the container and the flow ofair into the container are maximized. The intermediate sleeve is alsoconnected to a sliding clip that is configured to move the slidingsleeve in a variety of desired positions. The sliding clip is configuredfor connection with and placement within an outer sheath. The outersheath is configured to interact with portions of the outer surface ofthe spout body to prevent the sliding clip from moving unless the outersheath is twisted in a desired orientation. This configuration preventsthe opening of the spout by persons such as small children, who lack theability or comprehension to twist and slide the outer sheath in order toopen the spout.

In use, the spout is connected to an outlet portion of a non-ventedfilling container. The shape of the spout body is configured to connectwith an opening portion of a storage container so as to provide agenerally leak proof seal. A portion of the inner conduit extends into anon-vented filling container to a position adequate to control relief ofa vacuum as it forms. A biasing spring keeps the generally campanulateportion of the inner sleeve in a sealing connection against a portion ofthe nozzle end, and against the stopper end of the partition. Thisconnection prevents the flow of air into the filling container throughthe inner conduit as well as preventing the flow of liquid out of thecontainer through the portions of the spout body that form chambersaround the inner conduit (vent tube).

When the outer sheath is moved in a direction toward the storagecontainer, the sliding clip engages the extension portions of the innersleeve and pushes the inner sleeve back against the biasing spring. Whenthe biasing spring is sufficiently compressed, a channel opens betweenthe portions of the spout body and the portions of the nozzle end. Theconfiguration of the nozzle end and the inner sleeve interact to form atelescoping partition, which maintains an airflow channel and a liquidflow channel separate. When opened these channels allow for the flow ofair into the storage container through the air passageway and the flowof liquid out of the storage container through the spout body of theliquid flow chamber. Additionally, when utilizing the device for thefirst time, the action of opening the valve vents the nozzle and allowsbuilt up vapors and gasses to be dissipated.

As the inner sleeve is progressively moved backward toward the storagedevice, the size of the openings for the flow of air into the fillingcontainer as well as the flow of liquid out of the device areprogressively increased. As a result, the exchange of air into thecontainer and flow of liquid out of the container is accomplished in asmooth manner without the gurgling and surging problems that areassociated with prior art nozzles.

The venting system, as incorporated in the new spout, bypasses theproblem of the vent system function found in other devices found in theprior art. In the present invention, the combination of an air ventingsystem and a liquid flow passageway that are separated one from anotherallow the fluids that are positioned within the container to exitdownward through the spout and to flow smoothly without gurgling orsurging as may occur in the prior art embodiments.

The present invention is configured so that the air vent tube ispositioned so as to allow the passage of air through the air vent tubeup into the container to replace the liquid that passes out of thecontainer through the liquid flow passageway. The liquid flow passagewayis configured to receive a greater volume of material than the air flowpassageway. The liquid flow passageway is also configured to bepositioned lower than the open end of the air vent tube when the fillingcontainer is inverted into a vertical position. The fluid flowpassageways are larger nearest the open end of the spout that areconnected to the container, and decrease in size to a smaller diameterfurther down along the length of the spout body.

This configuration draws upon the force of gravity to pull liquid downthrough the spout while providing a separate tube and opening that isplaced in the container to be filled with the liquid. In use, the spoutis put in place; the container is inverted and the valve slid into anopen position. When this occurs, the force of gravity pulls the liquiddownward through the liquid flow passageway spout and into the containerto be filled. As this liquid enters into the container, the air isdisplaced from the container being filled and passes upward into theairflow passageway of the spout. The airflow passageway delivers the airthrough an airflow passageway, which is separate from the liquid flowpassageway, up and into the filling container.

The opening of the airflow passageway within the filling container isvertically higher than the position of the liquid flow passageway withinthe same container. As a result, when the container is inverted, theliquid that is closest to the liquid flow passageway exits the containerfirst. When this occurs, the air is enabled to flow through the airflowpassageway up and into the filling container at a location that is pastthe level of equalization between the liquid and the air. Because theair vents higher into the filling container than the draining positionfrom whence the liquid flows, the air and the liquid do not interfacenor do they block the flow of one another. As a result so-calledpressure plugs do not form and the flow of material into and out of thedevice is smooth.

The smoothness of the flow of air into the filling container and theflow of liquid out of the container is further enhanced by sequentiallyreducing the dimensions of the fluid flow passageway, as the passagewayextends away from the filling container. While also increasing thedimensions of the airflow passageway as the airflow passageway ends awayfrom the filling container. This configuration ensures that an airbubble will exist at a location in the vent tube that is higher thanliquid that is positioned in the full diameter of the fluid in theliquid flow chamber. In the present invention, the fluid flow passagewayis configured so as to have a larger first portion positioned closest tothe first end of the spout and to decrease in size so as to define apassageway having a smaller diameter and therefore able to hold a lesservolume of material thereafter. This volumetric change concentrates thegravitational pressure upon the fluid column at the joint or elbow ofthe device and allows the internal air bubble to rise above the fluidlevel. This variation in size slows the rate at which liquid will exitthe device and allows the rate at which air enters the filling device tobe greater than the rate at which liquid leaves this same container. Asa result, sufficient air to replace exiting liquid is always present andthe problems of chugging and surging, which exist in the prior art, aredone away with.

The configuration of the sliding sleeve allows for the air flow and theliquid flow chambers to be effectively telescoped in length, as thedevice is moved between an open and a closed position. Thus, allowingthe venting system and the liquid flow chambers to be maintainedseparately and preventing the problems of vacuum formation, surging, andchugging which are found in the prior art. The sliding sleeve works withportions of the end nozzle in a sliding type configuration which allowsthe apertures to be alternatively opened and closed, while stillallowing the flow of air and the flow of liquid out of the device to bealternatively stopped or started.

When the sliding sleeve is brought into compression against the sides ofthe end nozzle, and the stopper is placed in a designated locationagainst an inner portion of the sliding sleeve, the flow of liquidmaterial out of the device is stopped. However, when the engagementbetween the sliding sleeve and the side of the end nozzle is relaxed,the flow of material through the device occurs. When the sliding sleeveis opened, a venturi effect caused by the passing flow of liquid and airis created and on the exiting fluid flow is created and the air andfluid are prevented from mixing. The combination of these featuresdelivers unimpeded air to the vent tube near the filling container neckand does away with the gurgling, surging and splashing that are found inthe prior art.

When the spout is first placed upon the device and the container isinverted. Liquid will fill both the airflow and liquid flow passageways.However, when the device is opened, the venturi effect, which is broughtabout by the variations in the dimensions of the spout, causes theliquid that is within the air flow passageway to rapidly evacuated fromthe air flow passageway and to be rapidly replaced with air. Once theflow of air through the airflow passageway has been established, thephysical structure of the spout maintains the separation between theflow of air and liquid in opposite directions through the spout.

The present invention also provides a significant advantage in that iteliminates the use of O-rings to seal the device, thus reducingmanufacturing costs, and the number of device failures. The shape of thevarious pieces within the device are self nesting and self sealing thusallowing the parties involved in the manufacture of such devices toreduce manufacturing costs. This venting system is fully internallyself-contained. Any erratic fluid behaviors can be controlled internallyand does not expose consumers or equipment to wayward sprays or gurgles.

The present invention has a child resistant flange connected to theouter sheath. In the valve-closed position, the slide is free from anydemanding contacts. When the valve opening is desired, spring featuresare engaged to act on the slide in both a radial and linear manner.Turning the sheath will disengage the child resistant feature allowingthe slide to be pulled back in a linear direction down the length of thespout. With a slight delay, as the movement passes the child resistantfeature, the internal face of the sheath flange engages the wire clipslide clip, which pushes back the sliding sleeve. This action can beaccomplished either by the consumer or by twisting the outer sheath tothe hold position, inverting the container, and pushing the flange ofthe spout against the lip of the receiving container, which would thenopen the spout.

The design of the tip end of the present invention is self-evacuatingupon valve closure. After the receiving tank has reached capacity,lifting the portable container allows the internal biasing spring to acton the sliding sleeve to return the tank to its closed and safeposition. The face of the outer sheath will remain in contact with thelip of the receiving tank until the valve is sealed, at which timecontact between the tank and the outer sheath will be broken as thecontainer spout continues to be lifted out of the receiving tank. Thetip of the spout will break the fluid surface level of the receivingtank and instantly self-evacuate because the vent tube channel is filledwith air and is exposed to the top of the remaining fluid inside the tipof the spout.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office and the general public, especiallyscientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomereadily apparent to those skilled in this art from the followingdetailed description wherein I have shown and described only thepreferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration ofthe best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will berealized, the invention is capable of modification in various obviousrespects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and description of the preferred embodiment are to be regardedas illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cut away side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 whenthe device is in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is a cut away side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 whenthe device is in an position.

FIG. 4 is a cut away side view of the spout body portion of theinvention. FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the spout body portionof the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective end view of the spout body shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of the nozzle end portion of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5B is a cut away side view of the nozzle end portion of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5C is a front-end view of the nozzle end portion shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a cut away top view of the inner sleeve portion of theinvention.

FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of the inner sleeve portion of thedevice.

FIGS. 7A–7F are views of the sliding clip from a variety ofperspectives.

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of the outer sheath portion of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8A is an end plan view of the outer sheath shown in FIG. 8

FIG. 8B is a cutaway side view of the outer sheath shown in FIG. 8A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof havebeen shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, theinvention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined in the claims.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the present invention. The present inventionis a spout 10 comprised of a spout body 12 having a first end 14extending along a length to a second end 16 (shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4).The first and second ends 14, 16 of the spout body are open and define aspout body passageway 18 (shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4) which extends from thefirst end 14 to the second end 16. In this preferred embodiment, theangle between the first and second ends 14, 16 is configured to extendat oblique angle of about 150 degrees. However, it is to be distinctlyunderstood that this configuration is not limiting but merelyillustrative.

The spout body 12 is configured to receive an inner conduit 20, whichextends from a portion beyond the first end of the spout body 14 throughthe spout body passageway 18 (shown in FIG. 2) defined within the spoutbody 12. The inner conduit 20 is configured to extend to a locationwithin the filling container beyond where the pressure of fluid enteringand exiting the container is roughly equivalent. This general level ofopposing pressures, referred to hereinafter as the level ofequalization, has a generally flattened parabolic shape. This shaperepresents the general level of equalization between the pressure of theliquid attempting to exit the device created by gravity and the pressurepressing against the liquid created by the vacuum in the sealedcontainer. The inner conduit 20 is positioned so that the inner conduitfirst end 22 passes through this level of equalization and allows theflow of air into a storage container from which material is sought to beremoved. In a preferred embodiment, this overall length of the conduit20 is typically less than three inches, of which about ⅝″ extends intothe container past the level of equalization. However, it is to bedistinctly understood that this distance may be varied depending upon avariety of other factors.

The spout body 12 extends to a connection with a nozzle end connection50. The nozzle end connection 50 is connected to the second end 16 ofthe spout body 12. A sliding clip 46 is configured for connection with asliding sleeve 28, and portions of the end piece 50. These items areshow in detail in FIG. 2. An outer sheath 48 is configured for selectiveadjustable connection with a portion of the spout body 12, and with aportion of the sliding clip 46. In use, the outer sheath 46 can betwisted and slid along a portion of the spout body 12. When this occurs,the sliding clip 46 is moved back towards the first end of the spoutbody 14, the inner sealing sleeve 28 (shown in FIG. 2) is moved andmaterial is then able to flow out of the device in a smooth andcontrolled manner.

The nozzle end 50 has an end portion 68 that is open to allow thepassage of fluid through the internal passageway of the spout body andout through the nozzle end 50. In a preferred embodiment, the diameterof this end portion 68 device is 0.8″ and the diameter is configured tofit within a variety of types of containers. However, a variety of otherdimensions may also be utilized depending upon the needs of the user.

As will be described further, in this preferred embodiment, this outersheath 48 is configured to only selectively interact with the slidingclip 46 so as to provide a child resistant lock to prevent the sheath 48from contacting the sliding clip 46 and allowing material to flow out ofthe device.

The first end of the spout body 14 is configured for connectingattachment with an open end of a non-vented filling container.Typically, such a container has an opening and a cap or lid whichattaches to the container through a threaded type cap-connecting device.The first end of the spout body 14 is configured to form a seal with theopening portion of the container. The first end of the spout body 14contains a sealing flange 72 that provides a generally smooth and flatsurface that can interact with a lip portion of a container so that whencombined with a standard type of gasket, a leak proof seal is provided.The connection between the nozzle 10 of the present invention and thestorage container can then be held in place by appropriately tighteningthe nut or portion of the cap that is configured to interact with thethreaded portions of the container.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cutaway side view of the present invention ina closed position is shown. FIG. 2 shows a detailed side view of thepresent embodiment when the device is in a closed position. This figureshows the inner conduit 20 which extends from a first end 22 to a secondend 24 within the spout body passageway 18. In this preferredembodiment, the inner conduit is comprised of two portions whichintersect at the elbow portion of the vent tube 20 The spout body innerconduit 20 is configured to hold a biasing spring 44 that is configuredto apply a designated amount of pressure upon an inner sealing sleeve28.

The inner sealing sleeve 28 has a generally open first end 30 andextends to a generally open bell shaped or campanulate second end 32.This bell shaped second end 32 has a bell shaped outer portion 38 thatis configured to interact with an inner sealing portion 74 to maintain aseal so as to prevent the flow of fluid material out of the nozzle end50. This bell shaped second end 32 is also configured to interact with astopper 42 so as to discourage the passage of air or fluid from thenozzle end connection 50 through the inner conduit 20 and into thestorage container that is connected to the device.

The sealing sleeve 28 defines a sealing sleeve passageway 34, which isconfigured to allow air to flow from the nozzle end 50, through thesealing sleeve passageway 34, through the internal conduit 20, and intothe storage container when the connection between the stopper 42 and thesealing sleeve 28 is relaxed. This combination of the internal conduit20, sealing sleeve passageway 34, and a portion of the nozzle end 50define an air flow passageway.

The inner conduit or vent tube 20 and the inner sleeve 28 are positionedwithin the spout body passageway 18. The spout body passageway 18 isdefined by the spout body 12 and is configured to allow the flow ofliquid out of the filling container through the spout body passageway 18when the connection between the inner sealing sleeve 28 and the innersealing portion 74 is relaxed. This spout body passageway 18 and aportion of the nozzle end 50 are defined as a liquid flow passageway.

The inner sealing sleeve 28 prevents the flow of liquid out of thedevice by compressive engagement of the bell shaped outer portions 38 ofthe sealing sleeve 28 against an inner sealing ridge 74 located withinthe nozzle end 50. This connection between the sealing ridge 74 and thebell shaped outer portion 38 of the sealing sleeve prevents the flow ofliquid through the device. This connection between the bell shapedportions 38 of the sealing sleeve 28 and the inner sealing ridge 74 ismaintained by pressure exerted by a biasing spring 44. This biasingspring 44 is configured to push inner sealing sleeve 28 up against thesealing ridge 74 and maintain the spout passageway 18 and the innerconduit 20 closed. This prevents the flow of liquid out of the devicethrough the liquid flow passageway.

The bell shaped second end 32 of the inner sealing sleeve 28 is alsoheld in an engaged position against the stopper 42 by the biasing spring44. This prevents the flow of air through the sealing sleeve passageway34 and the inner conduit 20, which make up the airflow passageway. Inthis closed position, the outer sheath 48 is not configured to engageany portion of the sliding clip 46. Therefore, the sliding clip 46cannot engage the extension portions 66 of the sealing sleeve and theinner sealing sleeve 28 cannot be moved away from this closed position.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a detailed cutaway side view of thepresent invention in an open position. In this open position, asufficient amount of pressure has been placed upon the biasing spring 44so as to allow the campanulate shaped outer portions 38 of the sealingsleeve 28 to be removed from contact with the inner sealing portion 74,and the inner portions 36 of this bell shaped second end to be removedfrom contact with the stopper portion 42. When this occurs, air is ableto flow from the second end 68 of the nozzle though a portion of thenozzle end 50, through the sealing seal passageway 34, through the innerconduit 20 and into the storage container. In addition, liquid is thenable to flow from the storage container through the spout bodypassageway 18, through a portion of the nozzle end and out of the opennozzle end portion 68.

When the storage container is positioned in a filling position andremoval of the liquid contents of the container is desired, the outersheath 48 is positioned so as to prevent impediment by the childresistant features and the outer sheath 48 is pulled back. In thepreferred embodiment, this is accomplished by twisting the outer sheath48 and pulling the outer sheath 48 back towards the storage container.When this occurs, portions of the outer sheath 48 engage portions of thesliding clip 46. The sliding clip 46 then engages the extension portions66 of the sealing sleeve 28 and force the sealing sleeve 28 back againstthe biasing spring 44. When this occurs, the seal that exists betweenthe bell shaped valve sealing portion 38 and the inner sealing portions74 and the stopper 42 is relaxed. When this occurs, airflow may flowfrom the second end 68 of the nozzle end connection 50, through thepassageway 34, and the inner conduit 20 and into the filling container20. This combined path is referred to as the airflow passageway for easeof simplicity. This same action also allows the flow of liquid from thefilling container through the spout body passageway 18, the liquid flowportion of the nozzle end 50 and into the container being filled.

The configuration of the bell shaped outer portions 38 of the sleeve 28discourages the passage of excess liquid into the airflow portions ofthe inner conduit 20 when the present invention is in use. The first end22 of the inner conduit 20 extends sufficiently far into the containerso as extend beyond a level of equalization between air and liquid thatis created when a container is inverted into a pouring position.Throughout the length of the spout body 12 the inner conduit 20 which isconfigured to transfer air, and the passageway 18 defined by the spoutbody 12 which is configured to transfer liquid and maintain air andliquid in separate chambers. However, at the transition location betweenthe spout body 12 and the nozzle end 50 this physical separation ends.

The bell-shaped portion 38 of the sleeve is configured to direct theflow of liquid from the liquid material passageways over theinner-sealing sleeve 28, and to maintain an opening within the sealingsleeve 28 so as to allow passage of air through the sealing sleevepassageway 34 and into the inner conduit 20. This configuration createsa venturi type of effect which encourages accumulated liquid to exit thesleeve hollow passageway 34, and the inner conduit 20 which areconfigured for the passage of air only. This configuration discouragesthe liquid and air portions from traveling in opposite directions withinthe same channel. This separation facilitates the transfer of liquid outof the device and the flow of air into the device; this further producesa smooth flow of liquid out of the storage container.

In order to place the device in the open position shown in FIG. 3, theouter sheath 48 must be adaptively twisted and slid to engage a slidingclip 46, which is configured to engage a portion of the sealing sleeve28. When this occurs, the sealing sleeve 28 is pushed back against thebiasing spring 44, compressing the biasing spring 44 and pushing theinner sleeve 28 apart from the stopper 42 and the inner sealing ridge74. As shown in FIG. 3, when the device is in this position, air andliquid are configured to exchange and the liquid will flow appropriatelythrough the device.

When pressure on the outer sheath is relaxed, the biasing spring 44pushes the sealing sleeve 28 forward against the inner sealing portion74 and the stopper 42. The flow of material into or out of the containeris stopped. By limiting the amount of pressure applied against thebiasing spring 44 the distance between the sealing sleeve 28 and theinner ridge 74 and the stopper 42 may be varied and thus the rate offlow of material out of the device controlled.

The device is configured so that the size of the aperture, through whichliquid will flow, will decrease proportionately from a larger volumeportion to a portion having a smaller portion. As a result, a smoothflow of air and liquid is maintained and gurgling or splashing of theliquid is reduced. This system provides a device and system forproviding controlled smooth flow of liquid out of a filling containerthrough a spout that has significant advantages over the devicesavailable in the prior art. In addition, the slideable projections 66 onthe slideable sleeve 28 interact with portions of the nozzle end toprovide a telescoping channel that maintains a separation between theliquid leaving the nozzle and the air that is entering the nozzle. Thisembodiment is discussed in more detail in the paragraphs that describeFIG. 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 4–10, the configuration of the individual piecesof the preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown anddescribed. While the configurations of the embodiments are disclosed, itis to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limitedthereto, but that this disclosure is simply to be illustrative and notlimiting and to set forth the best mode known for practicing theinvention.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, 4B a variety of views of the spout body12 portion of the present invention are shown. While in this embodimentthe nozzle end 50 (shown in FIG. 5) and the spout body 12 are shown asbeing two pieces that can then be connected together to perform thefunction of the device. It is to be understood that this configurationis for manufacturing purposes and that to achieve the advantages of thepresently claimed invention a variety of other modifications may also beutilized. This would include modifications where the nozzle end portion50 and the spout body 12 were formed as a single piece.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show the configuration of pieces that make up thenozzle end 50 of the present invention. These pieces connect to thespout body 12 and are configured make up the stopper portions 42 and thesealing ridge 74 described previously. Additionally, this deviceincludes a partition 78 that divides the nozzle end into an airflowportion 80 and the liquid flow portion 82 sections. In order to assistwith the proper alignment of the sliding sleeve 28 within the nozzle endportion 50 a series of alignment projections 76 are also included withinthe nozzle end 50.

In this preferred embodiment, the nozzle end 50 also include cradles 102that impede the movement of the outer sheath 48 unless the sheath isappropriately twisted and pulled to remove the projections 100 on theouter sheath 48 from the cradle 102. The outer sheath 48 also hasprojections that are configured to interact with appropriatelydimensioned portions of the spout body 12 and the nozzle end portion 50to prevent the sheath from sliding and engaging the sliding clip 46.This provides the childproof and tamper proof feature of the presentinvention. While this configuration is shown as the configuration of thepreferred embodiment. It is to be distinctly understood that theinvention is not limited thereto but may variously embodied to includevariously configured portions that achieve the results taught in thispatent disclosure.

In the preferred embodiment, the open second end 68 of the nozzle end 50is dimensioned to have a diameter of 0.8 inch. This size fits most fueltanks. The combination of the invention provides a pour rate that issemi-adjustable depending upon the depression of the biasing spring andat full open the nozzle produces a flow that exceeds the two gallons perminute minimum flow rate requirement. The overall shape and length ofthe spout will accommodate a very high percentage of the applicationrequirements for portable petroleum distillate storage containers.

Referring now to FIG. 6, several views of the sealing sleeve 28 areshown. In the preferred embodiment the sealing sleeve 28 configurationcould be appropriately described as corolla having a variety ofcomponents extending from a central structure. The sealing sleeve 28 hasa first end 30 extending to second end 32. Both the first and secondends 30, 32 of the sealing sleeve 28 are open to form a sealing sleevepassageway 34. Near the second end 32 of the sealing sleeve, a generallybell-shaped or campanulate portion 38 is configured to interact with asealing portion 74 to prevent the flow of liquid through the spout bodypassageways 18. The inner portion of the sealing sleeve 28 near theportion of the bell-shaped second portion 30 is configured for sealingleak proof engagement with the stopper portion 42 of the end nozzle 50as shown in FIG. 5. This prevents the passage of air into the device aswell as preventing the flow of liquid out of the device. While theconnection of the pedestal shaped stopper 42 are interchangeablyvariable to as to allow the opening and closing of the valve. Thedevices are configured so that the stopper 42 is generally never fullyextracted from within the bell shaped portion 38 of the sliding sleeve28.

The sealing sleeve 28 is configured to connect with projection portions66 that extend into the nozzle end 50 and are configured to connect witha sliding clip 46. These projection portions 66 are configured to alignwith alignment portions 76 that are located within the nozzle end 50.These alignment portions 76 and the projection portions 66 areconfigured to align the sliding sleeve 28 in a designated orientationand position within the spout body 12 and the nozzle end 50. Thealignment portions 76 also have a channel that is configured to have aspace sufficient to allow the sliding clip 46 to fit into the outside ofthe end nozzle 50. The interface between these projections 66 and therib shaped partition 78 further assist to isolate the flow of air fromthe flow of liquid that are flowing in opposite directions through thespout and the nozzle end.

These projections 66 also have connections to receive a portion of asliding clip 46. This sliding clip 46 operates in conjunction with theouter sleeve 48 to selectively open and close the valve and the flow ofmaterial through the device. These projections 66 are configured totelescope and slide along a designated path. This telescopingarrangement allows the sliding sleeve 28 to be moved in a direction awayfrom the second end 56 of the nozzle end connection 50. Theconfiguration of the projections 66 and the partition 78 provide atelescoping half and half type of telescoping tube that preventsunimpeded air flow into the interior of the sliding sleeve 28, throughthe passageway 34 and up into the filling container. Several views ofthe sliding clip 46 are shown in the attached FIGS. 7A–7F.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 8A, and 8B, various views of the outer sheath48 are shown. The outer sheath 48 is configured so that in the closedvalve position (shown in FIG. 2) the sheath 48 is free from any demandedcontact. When valve opening is desired, the outer sheath 48 must betwisted and pulled to allow the sheath in both a radial and a linearmanner. Turning the sheath will disengage the child resist feature,allowing the sheath to be pulled back in a linear direction along thelength of the spout body 12.

With a slight delay, as the movement passes the child resistant feature,the projections of the internal face of the sheath 64 engage the slidingclip 46 which in turn push back upon the projections 66 of the slidingsleeve 28. This movement can be accomplished by either a user twistingand pulling the sheath 48 back or by twisting the sheath 48 to the holdposition, inverting the container, and pushing an outer portion of thesheath 48 against the lip of the receiving tank. When this occurs, thesliding sleeve 28 releases the connection between the campanate portion38 of the sealing sleeve valve and the stopper 42 portion of thepartition as well as the connection between the inner sealing surfaces74 and the bell shaped connection portion of the sliding sleeve 38. Whenthe pressure upon the outer sheath is released the biasing spring 44pushes the sleeve 28 back up against the stopper 42 and the sealingportions, 74 and any further flow of material out of the device 10 isprevented.

While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment ofthe invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention isnot limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within thescope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it willbe apparent that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

1. A self-venting spout comprising: an elongated spout housingcomprising: an open first end for connection to a container for liquid,an open second end for dispensing liquid, and an interior spout surfacesurrounding and defining an interior passageway extending between saidopen first end and open second end, a distal portion of the interiorpassageway having a longitudinal axis and a radial dimension; a sealingridge in said interior passageway near said interior spout surface, anda stopper generally centered in said interior passageway and radiallydistanced from said interior spout surface and from said sealing ridge;and a slidable sleeve in said interior passageway that is slidableparallel to said longitudinal axis, said slidable sleeve comprising agenerally tubular portion having an outer surface with a first annularseal and an inner surface defining a sleeve passageway and having asecond annular seal; wherein, when said slidable sleeve is in aspout-closed position, said first annular seal contacts and sealsagainst said sealing ridge of the spout housing, and said second annularseal contacts and seals against said stopper; wherein, said spoutcomprises partition walls dividing said interior passageway into anair-flow passageway portion and a liquid-flow passageway portion, andwherein, when the slidable sleeve is in the spout-closed position, saidsealing of the first annular sleeve and the sealing ridge blocks saidliquid-flow passageway portion and said sealing of the second annularseal and the stopper blocks said air-flow passageway portion; andwherein, when said slidable sleeve is slid longitudinally to aspout-open position, said first annular seal is distanced from thesealing ridge to open said liquid-flow passageway portion and saidsecond annular seal is distanced from the stopper to open said air-flowpassageway portion.
 2. A spout as in claim 1, further comprising: anouter sheath that is slidable on said spout housing; and a clip thatextends from near said outer sheath and through said spout housing andthat engages said slidable sleeve; said outer sheath being configured toengage said clip so that sliding said outer sheath longitudinally on thespout housing pulls the clip longitudinally to move the slidable sleevefrom said spout-closed position to said spout-open position.
 3. A spoutas in claim 2, wherein said outer sheath is rotatable on the spouthousing, and wherein said outer sheath is configured to be slidablealong the spout housing only when the outer sheath is in one or moreselected rotational positions.
 4. A spout as in claim 1, wherein saidspout housing comprises a body and a nozzle unit generally coaxiallyconnected, wherein said nozzle unit comprises said sealing ridge andsaid stopper.
 5. A spout as in claim 4, wherein said slidable sleeve hasat least one longitudinal projection extending toward said second end,and wherein said nozzle unit is generally hollow and receives saidlongitudinal projection, said nozzle unit having at least one alignmentprotrusion extending radially inward toward, and engaging, saidlongitudinal projection.
 6. A spout as in claim 2, wherein said spouthousing comprises a body and a nozzle unit generally coaxiallyconnected, wherein said nozzle unit comprises said sealing ridge andsaid stopper, and wherein said slidable sleeve has at least onelongitudinal projection extending toward said second end, wherein saidnozzle unit is generally hollow and receives said longitudinalprojection, said nozzle unit having at least one alignment protrusionextending radially inward toward said longitudinal projection andengaging said projection; and wherein said clip connects to said atleast one longitudinal projection for moving the slidable sleeve.
 7. Aspout as in claim 1, wherein the liquid-flow passageway portioncomprises a proximal portion near said first end of the spout housingand a distal portion near said second end of the spout housing, whereinsaid distal portion is smaller in volume than said proximal portion forcreating a venturi effect as the liquid flows through said liquid-flowpassageway portion toward the second end.
 8. A spout as in claim 1,wherein said spout housing has a proximal portion near said first end ofthe spout housing and a distal portion near said second end of the spouthousing, and said proximal portion and distal portion are at an angle toeach other.
 9. A spout as in claim 1, wherein said air-flow passagewayportion is defined near said spout housing first end by a generallytubular extension out from the spout housing that is configured toextend into the liquid container farther than the first end of the spouthousing so that the pressure in the generally tubular extension is lessthan the pressure in the liquid-flow passageway portion at the first endof the spout housing.
 10. A spout as in claim 1, wherein said firstannular seal is a portion of a bell-shaped outer surface of said sleeve.11. A spout as in claim 1, further comprising a spring received in saidinterior passageway, said spring configured to bias the slidable sleeveinto the spout-closed position.
 12. A self-venting spout comprising: anelongated spout housing having an interior volume comprising an interiorliquid-flow passageway and an interior air-flow passageway bothextending between a first end of the spout housing and a second end ofthe spout housing, said air-flow passageway being generally centered ona longitudinal axis of the spout housing and said liquid-flow passagewayradially offset from said air-flow passageway; a stopper disposed in theair-flow passageway; and a sleeve slidably disposed in said interiorvolume and having an exterior surface defining a portion of saidliquid-flow passageway and an interior surface defining a portion ofsaid air-flow passageway, said sleeve further having a protruding firstannular seal on said exterior surface and a protruding second annularseal on said interior surface; wherein, when said sleeve is slidlongitudinally to a closed-spout position, said first annular sealcontacts and seals with a sealing ridge on said spout housing to sealclosed the liquid-flow passageway to stop liquid from flowing from saidfirst end to said second end of the spout housing, and said secondannular seal contacts and seals to said stopper to seal closed theair-flow passageway to stop air from flowing from said second end tosaid first end of the spout housing; and wherein, when said sleeve isslid longitudinally to an open-spout position, said first annular sealis distanced from said sealing ridge to allow liquid to flow through theliquid-flow passageway past said first annular seal to said second end,and said second annular seal is distanced from the stopper to allow airto flow through the air-flow passageway past said second annular seal tothe first end.
 13. A spout as in claim 12, further comprising: an outersheath that is slidable on said spout housing; and an clip member thatextends from near said outer sheath and through said spout housing andthat engages said sleeve; said outer sheath being configured to move theclip member longitudinally on the spout housing to slide the sleeve fromsaid spout-closed position to said spout-open position.
 14. A spout asin claim 12, wherein said outer sheath further is rotatable on the spouthousing, and wherein said outer sheath is configured to be slidablealong the spout housing only when the outer sheath is in one or moreselected rotational positions.
 15. A spout as in claim 12, comprising abody and a nozzle unit generally coaxially connected, wherein saidnozzle unit comprises said sealing ridge and said stopper.
 16. A spoutas in claim 15, wherein said sleeve has at least one longitudinalprojection extending toward said second end, and wherein said nozzleunit is generally hollow and receives said longitudinal projection, saidnozzle unit having at least one alignment protrusion extending radiallyinward toward, and engaging, said longitudinal projection.
 17. A spoutas in claim 13, wherein the spout housing comprises a body and a nozzleunit generally coaxially connected, wherein said nozzle unit comprisessaid sealing ridge and said stopper, and wherein said sleeve has atleast one longitudinal projection extending toward said second end,wherein said nozzle unit is generally hollow and receives saidlongitudinal projection, said nozzle unit having at least one alignmentprotrusion extending radially inward toward said longitudinal projectionand engaging said projection; and wherein said clip member connects tosaid at least one longitudinal projection for moving the sleeve.
 18. Aspout as in claim 12, wherein the liquid-flow passageway portioncomprises a proximal portion near said first end of the spout housingand a distal portion near said second end of the spout housing, whereinsaid distal portion is smaller in volume than said proximal portioncreating a venturi effect as the liquid flows through said liquid-flowpassageway portion toward the second end.
 19. A spout as in claim 12,wherein said air-flow passageway is defined near said spout housingfirst end by a generally tubular extension out from the spout housingthat is configured to extend into the liquid container farther than thefirst end of the spout housing so that the pressure in the generallytubular extension is less than the pressure in the liquid-flowpassageway at the first end of the spout housing.
 20. A spout as inclaim 12, wherein said first annular seal is a portion of a bell-shapedouter surface of said sleeve.
 21. A spout as in claim 12, furthercomprising a spring received in said interior passageway, said springconfigured to bias the sleeve into the spout-closed position.